A perverse force in the universe works this way: You become the very thing you strive to avoid. The thing you eschew, follows you, sneaks up on you, finds its way into your bathroom and hides behind the mirror over the sink. Then, one morning, before you’ve even had your coffee, you splash water on […]
Send Me Your Dreams: Recurring dream dogs retiree
Perhaps the most frequent questions I receive are about recurring dreams. They are common and can be frustrating and even frightening. Many people find that when they have ‘that dream’ again, the emotional effects carry over into their waking life for a day or two, tinting the dreamer’s mood with the tone of the dream. […]
Think Dream Play: Will Rogers never met this guy
Not sure if it was Machiavelli or Michael Corleone who originated the phrase, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer,” but it’s been on my mind. The concept came in handy in – of all places – public school! When I was working as a high school principal, I needed to have my ear […]
Send Me Your Dreams: That baby is ready to go!
Today’s dreamer offers two examples of images that recur in many of our dreams. First, her dream includes a baby. Now babies often carry universal meanings of new beginnings, creative surges and portent for the future; but of course, we cannot generalize! The significance of a particular baby in a particular dreamer’s dream may be […]
Think, Dream, Play: The devil and Hobby Lobby
EFFECTIVE THIS WEEK, A FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION has line-item veto rights to federal law. Isn’t that convenient? Because it is owned and operated by a Christian family, Hobby Lobby can now choose not to comply with any portion of the law that offends their sensibilities. Thank you, United States Supreme Court.
Send Me Your Dreams: Dream to dreamer: Pace your recovery
WITH NO FEWER THAN 10 BREAKOUT SESSIONS devoted to the diagnostic, healing, therapeutic and restorative qualities of dreams, the annual conference of the International Association for the Study of Dreams affirms the power of our dreams to assist in our health care — both physical and mental. Indeed, many physicians and therapists use information provided […]
Send Me Your Dreams: Convergence of dreamers
DEAR DREAMERS, I am excited to be attending the annual conference of the International Association for the Study of Dreams this week. One of the most pragmatic features of the conference comprises the four hour-long sessions wherein attendees can work directly with leading researchers and practitioners in the “field of dreams.” I may join past […]
Send Me Your Dreams: Dream to dreamer: Stop worrying!
DREAMS OF FALLING AND FLYING are among the shared dreams across age groups and cultures. One speaks to insecurity and the other to freedom to soar. Today’s dream offers a taste of both. Dear SMYD, I am at a good point in my life. Not that everything is perfect, but I just can’t ask for […]
Think, Dream, Play: Diana Nyad, Archimedes and the Zeigarnik Effect
BLUMA ZEIGARNIK HAD IT GOING ON. You remember Bluma, don’t you? Bluma Zeigarnik?! The famous Russian psychologist! Jeez! OK. I never heard of her either. Turns out though, she identified an interesting human behavior that might, according to Psyblog, help us avoid procrastination. But first of all, it’s kind of an oxymoron, isn’t it — […]
Send Me Your Dreams: Dream advice for the new kid: Don’t try too hard
IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY IN YOUR DREAM, most likely it reflects a waking circumstance that is new and uncomfortable to you. Today’s young dreamer struggles to find her way and her dream offers some guidance. Dear SMYD, My family moved and I had to change schools this year. We live in […]